The Perfect Long Weekend in Aix-en-Provence, France

Atelier de Cezanne: A charming little museum, Atelier de Cezanne is Paul Cezanne’s studio, kept exactly as he left it. Step back in time here and see how one of the famous Impressionists worked.

Cours Mirabeau: This broad, tree-lined street is the heartbeat of the city. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the perfect place for a stroll.

Fountains: Aix is known as the Land of a Thousand Fountains. They come in all shapes and sizes—some are hidden in quiet squares, and some are obvious. When you’re in Aix, you must wander around the beautiful old city and see as many fountains as possible!

Markets: There are several regular markets in Aix every week. The everything market, located on Cours Mirabeau is the biggest and most exciting. But the smaller produce market in Place Richelme and the flower market in Place de l’Hôtel de Ville aren’t to be missed either.

Musée Granet: This art museum looks deceptively small, like it might be a tiny old church housing just a few pieces of art. In fact, the Granet Museum is renowned for its impressive collection of paintings: it houses several thousand pieces, many of them 19th-century paintings, along with an excellent modern art exhibition.

Place Richelme: One of several magical squares in Aix, Place Richelme is my favorite place to grab a table at one of the many cafes under the twinkle lights and have a coffee or a spritz. There are several outdoor cafes in this square with tables under hundreds of twinkle lights—and always a crowd of chatty people.

Sidewalk cafes: Sipping a coffee or glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe is the French vacation dream! There are so many good sidewalk cafes in Aix with the perfect atmosphere. Spend an hour or two chatting and people-watching at a cafe with a view of the fountains and beautiful old buildings.

Aux Petits Oignons: The tiniest outdoor gourmet hotdog restaurant. Yes, hotdogs. In France. But these are delicious French sausages topped with the most creative and carefully crafted fresh ingredients...and French cheese. Each hotdog on the menu here is bursting with flavor! Get the fries, too—they’re excellent.

Café du Palais: A sidewalk cafe offering ample outdoor seating with a view of the lovely Place des Prêcheurs, Café du Palais has great drinks and live music. You’ll be surrounded by lots of people happily chatting in French over their drinks.

Le Vieux Tonneau: A cozy wine bar with delicious tapas. It has a large outdoor seating area, so you can continue to enjoy the balmy Southern France evening while you eat. You will find some great natural wines and interesting wines from small French producers on the wine list here! The tapas here are top-notch: Feast on cheese, charcuterie, bread, beef tartare, sardines, or whatever other seasonal delights they have on the menu that night.

Noé, Paul, and Jacob’s: A good boulangerie is essential to any visit to France. There are several top-notch bakeries in Aix. These three are my favorites. Don’t skip the pain au chocolat!